New to the shot gun world

[pilot1695]

Hi there
I just got my Rem 870 express. I am looking for some mods on it and more likely the Magpul.
Question tho, can I use it for hunting? If so, can I swap out the 18 inch barrel to the longer ones? What's the most common length?
Thank you


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[Synchronizor]

Welcome to the forum.

I just got my Rem 870 express. I am looking for some mods on it and more likely the Magpul.

Before you start trying to modify your gun and install aftermarket add-ons, you should give it a good cleaning, then pick up a bulk pack or two of inexpensive target shells (just don't buy Winchester Universals) and spend an afternoon breaking it in properly and making sure it doesn't have any factory issues. This will also give you a better idea of what you like and don't like about the gun, which is useful information when you start personalizing it.

Question tho, can I use it for hunting? If so, can I swap out the 18 inch barrel to the longer ones? What's the most common length?

It would depend on what model you bought. Did you buy a standard Express, or one of the newer specialized Express Tactical models with the single-piece 6-round magazine tubes (not a separate magazine extension)? In the latter case, you're stuck with 18.5" barrels unless you're willing to pay for custom work. They can work for some types of hunting, but they're meant for combat/defensive roles.

With traditional 870s though, any standard barrel of the same gauge can interchange (the chamber length doesn't have to match, so make sure you know what size shells your receiver and barrel are capable of handling). There's no gunsmithing required, just take the gun down and put it back together with a different barrel. If you're not sure how to do that, I put together a how-to video on take-down and reassembly that should help (barrel removal starts here if you want to skip to it).

As for length, it would depend on what type of hunting you want to do. 26" and 28" vent-rib Rem Choke barrels are popular all-around choices for birds and other small game, and they're easy to find both new and used. Some folks like 30" or longer barrels for shooting at high-flying waterfowl, but that's a lot to swing around for most other applications. 20" - 24" barrels are good if you want something that weighs less, swings faster, and is more maneuverable in brush; and there are a variety of sight options available for those shorter barrels such as vent-ribs, rifle sights, beads, blades (for aperture setups), and even dedicated slug barrels with rifled bores and cantilever scope mounts.

It would be hard to recommend the best barrel without knowing what you intend to use it on, but a 24" - 26" vent-rib Rem Choke barrel and a basic set of choke tubes should work for almost anything in the hands of a competent shooter. If your gun currently has a magazine extension, you may also need a magazine cap and a plug to meet fish & game regulations.

[pilot1695]

Thank you very much for the input. I bought the one with out the rail and choke tube. Just the basic express.
I plan to use it for duck hunt, maybe coyo, if it's ok.


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[Synchronizor]

Something like this?